Evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment Quality for Proposed Mining Projects in North East Nigeria

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a statutory prerequisite for large-scale mining project approval in Nigeria, yet the quality of EIA reports submitted for projects in North East Nigeria has been questioned by civil society and academic observers. This study evaluates the quality of EIA reports for proposed mining projects in Gombe, Bauchi, and Adamawa states using a systematic quality review instrument. Twelve EIA reports submitted to the Federal Ministry of Environment between 2018 and 2024 were sourced through official data requests and reviewed against criteria including scoping adequacy, impact significance determination methodology, alternative analysis, mitigation measure specificity, monitoring plan robustness, and stakeholder engagement documentation. Reports were scored by two independent reviewers using a 100-point quality scale. Findings reveal a mean quality score of 46 out of 100, with the lowest scores in alternative analysis and post-approval monitoring plan quality. Paid consultants closely affiliated with proponents produced consistently lower-quality reports than independent academic or multi-disciplinary firm consultants. The study identifies the absence of a standardised EIA review checklist as a key systemic gap enabling inconsistent quality. Recommendations include a public register of approved EIA consultants with quality performance ratings, adoption of a structured quality review checklist by NESREA, and mandatory post-approval monitoring plan auditing. Keywords: environmental impact assessment, mining projects, North East Nigeria, quality evaluation, NESREA.